Ahmadinejad and International Law

Three important lessons from the Theater of the Absurd.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's recent visit to the United States and the UN was no less than a three-act play in the Theater of the Absurd. While it has been argued that his command performances at the UN, Columbia University and in the media further exposed his absurdity, critics need to look behind and beyond the on-stage theatrics, lest we ignore the depth of his regime's criminality and the suffering of the Iranian people.

Now that the curtain has fallen, the question becomes: What are the lessons to be learned and actions to be taken?

Arguably, there are three lessons to be learned, each corresponding with the acts in the Theater of the Absurd, and each with a lesson anchored in the rule of law; more particularly, in the disregard of the rule of law.

Ahmadinejad should have been declared an inadmissible person and placed on the "United States' Watchlist" of persons barred from entering the country.

First, President Ahmadinejad should have been declared an inadmissible person and placed on the "United States' Watchlist" of persons barred from entering the country. For American law excludes from entry any person who has engaged in, or incited to, terrorist activity, or who "has used his position of prominence to endorse or espouse terrorist activity in a way that undermines United States' efforts to reduce or eliminate terrorist activities."

The evidence of Iran's complicity in terrorist activity is clear and compelling. Ahmadinejad's Iran has recruited, trained, financed, instigated and armed its terrorist proxies such as Hamas, Hizbullah and Islamic Jihad, whose platforms and policies are replete with genocidal calls and terrorist activity that outdo even its Iranian patron.

Moreover, Ahmadinejad is in standing violation of the Genocide Conventions prohibition against the "direct and public incitement to genocide," which alone should be cause for exclusion. If it be argued that no precedent exists for excluding an sitting president, it should be recalled that Austrian president Kurt Waldheim was placed on the "US Watchlist" for his participation in the persecution of civilian populations during the Second World War.

The second act in this Theater of the Absurd was the invitation extended to Ahmadinejad to address Columbia University. This was not a matter of academic freedom. Columbia was not obliged to give Ahmadinejad a podium; rather, given his criminality, it was obliged not to give him a podium. Nor was this a matter of "free speech;" incitement to commit genocide is not protected speech. Indeed, it is a violation of international criminal law - including not only the Genocide Conventions but the International Criminal Court Treaty.

In fact, the best evidence for not inviting Ahmadinejad to Columbia was set forth in the "introduction" by Columbia's President Lee Bollinger of Ahmadinejad , which was more indictment than introduction, and appeared more as an exculpatory disclaimer -- however discourteous -- for the wrongful judgment to invite Ahmadinejad to begin with.

Further, the "justification" offered for the invitation by Columbia University Dean John Coatsworth - that he would have given Hitler a platform -- was devoid of any moral compass.

Third, and most disturbing, Ahmadinejad should not have been a welcome guest at the United Nations General Assembly. He should have been -- and should be -- the object of a criminal indictment, the elements for which can be found in Lee Bollinger's own introduction.

A person who incites to genocide and is complicit in crimes against humanity belongs in the dock of the accused, rather than the podium of the UN General Assembly.

A person who incites to genocide; who is complicit in crimes against humanity; who continues the pursuit of the most destructive of weaponry in violation of UN Security Council Resolutions; who warns Muslims who support Israel that they will "burn in the umma of Islam;" who is engaged in a massive repression of human rights in Iran; who assaults the basic tenents of the UN Charter -- such a person belongs in the dock of the accused, rather than the podium of the UN General Assembly.

But it is not enough to lament what occurred in this Theater of the Absurd, or even to learn its lessons. It is important to act on those lessons so as to restore respect for the rule of law and the Responsibility to Protect doctrine, fidelity to the UN Charter, and the struggle against impunity. Accordingly, the following actions should be undertaken with all deliberate speed:

State parties to the Genocide Convention, such as Canada, have not only a right, but a responsibility, to enforce the convention, particularly as regards the prevention of genocide.

State parties should therefore refer the criminal incitement to genocide by President Ahmadinejad and other Iranian leaders to the appropriate UN agencies. It is astonishing that this criminal incitement has yet to be addressed by the UN Security Council, the UN General Assembly, or any other body or agency of the United Nations, though it has found fit to give him a podium.

State parties should initiate, in the International Court of Justice, an inter-state complaint against Iran - for its "direct and public incitement to genocide" in violation of the Genocide Convention, to which Iran is party.

The crimes of President Ahmadinejad and other Iranian leaders should be referred by the UN Security Council to the special prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for investigation and prosecution.

State parties should prepare criminal indictments of President Ahmadinejad, former president Rafsanjani, and other Iranian leaders on the basis of the "Universal Jurisdiction" principle embodied in the Genocide Convention.

The UN Secretary General should refer President Ahmadinejad and other Iranian leaders to the UN Security Council, on the basis of their threats to international peace and security, pursuant to Article 99 of the UN Charter.

President Ahmadinejad and other designated Iranian leaders should be placed on a "watchlist" by concerned countries, preventing their entrance as "inadmissible persons." There is presently discussion about holding Iran accountable for its defiance of UN Security Council resolutions calling for the suspension of its uranium-enrichment process. The recommended options have included everything from UN sanctions to possible military strikes. It is time that the above juridical options was initiated, which might also embolden progressive forces within Iran while holding the responsible individuals accountable.

Indeed, recent history has taught us that sustained international juridical remedies can bring about the indictment of seemingly immune dictators, such as Slobodan Milosevic and Augusto Pinochet, and such actions are clearly preferable to military options.

This is an opportunity for countries such as the United States and Canada to exercise necessary leadership in regard to one of the most important threats confronting the international community today.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 40

(40)
Anonymous,
July 9, 2013 5:41 PM

The clock is ticking.

Time is running out. USA, you need to support your only true ally in Mid-East, Israel. Wake up!!
DJ

(39)
Anonymous,
October 21, 2007 9:40 AM

Visit of Ahmaninejad in the States

I feel shocked that such a terrorist, previously prisoner (ex-Pasdaran") in the Shah's jails, because he had stolen, violated people, not only is now at the head of such a great country as Iran, but also is allowed to deny so openly the Holocaust, to incite hate of Israel and the jews in the world, and has been given a "podium" in a famous university as Columbia, and at the tribune of the UN to disseminate his speeches of hate. In what kind of world do we live? Are the people of the world dumb, or all converted, by force, to Islam, to accept these declarations?Its'really a shame for our occidental democraties to close our eyes on this kind of people who should not even exist.

I am a graduate of Columbia Executive Program in International Management (EPIM) â€“ October 84.

I am the proud and most sad father of the late Hagay Shefi (34) who was murdered by Al-Qaida in the course of the Mega-Terror attack of 9/11/2001. Hagay held MBA (Magna Cum Lauda) and was the President & CEO of GoldTier Technologies Inc.of New Jersey. He was invited in the poor date of 9/11 to provide a lecture as one of the Keynote speakers in a Conference of 100 Directors of Banks at WTC, 106th floor, in the city of NY. He left a wife and two little kids: 3 and 5.

My son and other 3000 fellow Americans were innocent people that did not harm or fight Al-Qaida or any other State or organization.They were, in the time of the sudden attack, in a civilian building. Although Al-Qaida is not a State, even as a terrorist organization it had to act according the Laws of War which prohibit clearly and absolutely to attack civilian targets, unless the target enabled opening fire.

I read carefully SIPA's Press Release and I wish to quote one passage of it:

President Bollinger will introduce the event by challenging President Ahmadinejad on number of his controversial statements and his government's policies, including his denial of the Holocaust and his call for the destruction of the State of Israel. The US government has accused Ahmadinejad's government of supporting terrorism and developing nuclear weapons capacity. Human rights groups have charged Iran with suppressing dissent and women's rights. Columbia students and faculty will themselves have an opportunity to question Iran's leader on these and other issues. -2-Moreover, I read today the NY Daily News about tomorrow's visit and I wish to bring part of it to your attention:Large protests will greet Ahmadinejad - an accused terrorist, Holocaust denier and member of the Axis of Evil - when he speaks at Columbia University on Monday and when he addresses the UN Tuesday.Ahmadinejad sparked outrage last week by requesting an official tour of Ground Zero. The proposed visit, which was promptly rejected by the NYPD, sickened victims' relatives and U.S. leaders.Columbia has refused to cancel Ahmadinejad's appearance at its School of International and Public Affairs. University President Lee Bollinger has vowed to challenge Ahmadinejad on his denial of the Holocaust, his alleged sponsorship of terrorism, his pursuit of nuclear weapons and the imprisonment of journalists and scholars in Iran.."Anyone who supports terror, pledges to destroy a sovereign nation [Israel], punishes by death anyone who 'insults' religion ... denies the Holocaust and thumbs his nose at the international community has no legitimate role to play at a university," Catholic League President Bill Donohue said.I think that the new Hitler's visit to Columbia University' which is very dear to me, is a big mistake. I trust that the majority of Columbia's Allumnies and supporters in the US, in Israel and in other many countries share the same views as mine. Your being an host to such a figure will be regretted and registered as a shameful act, in the History of the Academic Institution in the world, especially in U.S.A, in light of the harrows of 9/11/01 and the repeated warnings toattack the US and to violate international order.

If the free world wants to survive, there should be some limits nowadays to the Academic Freedom to provide a podium (no matter if it is called "only" a class with students) to a new Hitler.

Dov Shefi Lecturer on the laws of War Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan Father of Hagay, WTC, 9/11 www.hagayshefi.info

(37)
Anonymous,
October 14, 2007 5:12 PM

Mistake

I think it was not a mistake to invite the president of Iran to the U.S.A. It it easy to make peace with friends, but difficult with enemies. His presance in U.S.A. was a great oportunity to face him with all the crimes he commits and wait for his answers.. It was a great opportunity to send him home embarased and give him some sleepless nights.

(36)
Connie Belrose,
October 12, 2007 7:21 PM

It is an abomination to give a world leader a podium with which to spread hate. I agree wholeheartedly with Cotler that we, as Canadians, need to do more to protect the victims of such injustices. It is our responsibility, as an ally to Zion, to bear our breastplates of supposed diplomatic righteousness and stand in the gap for our brothers and sisters. Furthermore, Canada needs to do more to ensure that we are not contributing to the problem by allowing terrorist cells to train, grow and flourish within our borders. What touches the Jewish people, touches us all. We will not be immune from the effects of our blind apathy.

(35)
Daniel,
October 11, 2007 10:55 PM

Dear Sir Mr.

A) So you call giving a platform to the man who wants to kill you peace? The solution to the Muslim and Palestinian problem is NOT having the terrorists speak publicly and try to propogandize in the country where they plan to attack. That is most absurd (like said in the article).

B) Solution? Have Israel recieve ALL the land God promised him. And not take it away. Israel has, I think it's .6% of all of middle eastern land - including Egypt to Iraq and Iran.

C) Now that's where your problem is. Muslims want to take even that away.

D) Questions? Please refer to (B).

(34)
Ryan,
October 11, 2007 3:06 PM

I think he showed a candid world how convoluted his mind has become, and how his philosophical and religious world-view make it impossible for him to answer questions directly and honestly.

(33)
A. Razak (Mr),
October 9, 2007 4:40 PM

Dear Sirs,From sn independent (free and active) viewpoint, I would suggest and expect from your scholarly background to propose solutions to the problems affecting the Middle East nations.Jews and Palestineans, Arabs, Egyptions, etc. -- who are the descendents of Abraham -- and start to work on peaceful reconciliations and cooperation to jointly build a new civilization on Earth. Best regards and look forward to hearing from you.Shalom and Wa-Salam from Indonesia.Abdul RazakJakarta

(32)
Sandra Hepner,
October 9, 2007 4:27 PM

Endorsement for a Monster...

By giving him a platform,,, C.U. is endorsing a genocidal monster.. For Shame..Wake up to duplicity...????The theater of the Absurd..and tale told by fools snd idiots, signifying nothing...? Yet concealing true intent of Murder and Mayhem,...!!!???

(31)
stephen collins,
October 9, 2007 1:31 PM

this has gone on for years where theses evil leaders can move at will look at jerry adams bombed his way to victory the world has fell asleep again i wonder how many people will suffer now ahmadinejad has freedom to spin his web of pain

(30)
dennis,
October 8, 2007 7:10 PM

pursuing the wrong action

Simple QuestionQ. Who is advocating genocide? A. AhmadinjadQ. Who is allowing terrorists to be trained in his country?A. Ahmadinjad.Q. Who is supplying arms to terrorist?A. Ahmadinjad.Q. Who is fermenting all this trouble and seeking nuclear capabilities.A. Ahmadinjad.

So why are we trying to sanction the Iranian people and cause them hardship. Why do we not sanction the culprit and remove all his platforms. No body who promotes any of the above has any right to represent his country or be allowed to extol his vile views in the confines of the UN. His views and doctrine of hate defy every UN convention.For to long we have attacked the people and not the leaders it must stop.

(29)
Hinda Blas,
October 8, 2007 5:27 PM

Columbia University - Et Tu Brutus?

The 21st century is a century starting off to be of appeasement. We as a whole are to make excuses to despots who wish to destroy viable countries despite breaking what the UN had established as a crime but yet what the UN fails to enact.

We have laws in the US of Sedition and Treason yet these are not enacted as even the third person next in line to be President (if the President and Vice President are injured, killed, etc) decides to go to a country who is on the Terrorist Watch List and speak out against the President and the US as a whole. This is a sign of treason. We have other representatives who are trying to change our Constitution to fit their "friends'" agenda. This is Rep. Ellison and his friends at CAIR.

We now have universities that allow students to wear Hamass bomb belt outfits (some with real bombs), Nazi-like literature is allowed to be distributed (Mein Kampf has been seen at the UC-Davis book store) and now Columbia has allowed an Iranian Hitler wanna be to speak.

Unfortunately, the finances of this University will never be the same. Many alumni have ceased their donations to this institution and have called for Bollinger to resign. But Bollinger has just followed the lineage of other University Presidents such as the leaderships of UC-Irvine, UC-Davis (where they had a Hezbollah activist who is wanted by the FBI speak and gave out Hezbollah Literature two weeks ago), Duke University where they allowed the pro-al queda/PLO (they are all aligned) International Answer to have a rally, and Stanford University where a Pro-Palestinian rally was held.

I often ask, what country am I living in? Because sadly it is 1938 all over again.

(28)
William,
October 8, 2007 3:37 PM

Iran

It just makes me sick, that this country would allow the President of Iran to even step foot inside our borders. I mean, what was the purpose of his visit, if not to have a good photo op., and bragging rights among world terrorists. What next? Will they bring Hitler back to life and have him over for dinner? G-d said He would bless the nation(s) that bless Isreal. I don't think he would consider letting that maniac come for a visit, a "blessing". G-d help us.

(27)
esther,
October 8, 2007 2:27 PM

excellent article.

he world should always remeber the terrible sufferings of inocent people and be ready to fight terrorism

(26)
Joseph Harriss,
October 8, 2007 2:04 PM

Beware of Ahmadinejad

This man (Ahmadinejad) is a madman if something is not done he will drop a nuclear bomb on Israel. UN wake up before it happens.

(25)
Dr. Gene Fish,
October 8, 2007 1:16 PM

Culture of Stupidity

I must pose a question here: Why is the governing body of government in the United States so bent upon the destruction of the country and conversion of its citizens to fodder for crazed Islamic crazies?

There seems to be NO direction toward sanity by anyone in our government. The president has launched us into a worthy war against terriorism, yet every other member seems only to wish to placate the very people we should be opposing. Another question is in order: Why do I have to get my hard information from your web site (NOT COMPLAINING ABOUT YOU AND YOUR COVERAGE OF WORLD MATTERS) but am unable to learn anything about what is really happening in the world from the local print and electronic media?

I suppose the answer to this is that we do not have any objective reporters anymore! At one time we could tune in or open a newspaper and get a relatively balanced view of the world. Yet even back then there was leaning left and right! Today there is no attempt to shade any news story with balance. Only rabidly projecting one extreme or another.

Good job of reporting! Keep it up.

(24)
Anonymous,
October 8, 2007 11:17 AM

Very true

This chap and his gang has to be taught a lesson.

(23)
Leonore Brooks,
October 8, 2007 10:51 AM

Professor Cotler clarified so much for me!

Professor's Cotler's commentaries certainly were, in my opinion so correct, and absolutely deserved to win him the Order of Canada and all the other awards he rightfully earned!

(22)
Becky Tankersley,
October 8, 2007 9:08 AM

Is America "turning the other cheek" in favor of Diplomacy.

I think the world needs to look very closely at Ahmadinejad. Wake up, see him for what he is????

(21)
Judith Binder,
October 8, 2007 8:37 AM

A couple of comments on Iran and Mr. Cotler's opinions

No. 1: There is no point dwelling on the plight of the poor, long-suffering Iranian people. After all, they have elected and re-elected Mahmoud A. in fair and square democratic elections, or that's what we are told by the media.

No. 2: There is one crucial difference between Serbia's Milosevic and Chile's Pinochet on one hand and Iran's Mahmoud A. on the other: NEITHER SERBIA NOR CHILE HAVE OIL, nor do they have a mob of suicidal fanatics ready to blow up all and sundry.

So, notwithstanding Mr. Cotler and the UN's lofty ideals, this is basically a case of cowardice and wilful blindness on the West's part and bullying on the Muslims'.

(20)
Howard Newman,
October 8, 2007 8:33 AM

Bolinger's Hubris

Commentators have failed to recognize that the reason Columbia Presidnet Lee Bolinger invited the Iranain dictator to speak was the opportunity it provided Bolinger to make his indictment speech. In other words Bolinger risked Columbia's reputation, financual position and the consequences of legitimizing a racisist , anti-American thug to have the world stage for a few minutes so all caould see how brillant and important he was. Pitiful hubris!

(19)
Miriam Null,
October 8, 2007 6:33 AM

No to Ahmadinejad!

WAy in excess of this man's true power-he has none in Iran.

(18)
Marc Milton-Talbot,
October 8, 2007 5:05 AM

Was he or wasn't he?

It's never been cleared up as to whether or not Ahmadinejad was one of the American embassy hostage takers.Some of the hostages are adamant that he was.Is this a cover up in the interests of smooth diplomacy, or just another conspiracy theory?A lot of people out there would like to know.

(17)
MichaelF,
October 7, 2007 10:50 PM

What We Can and Cannot Do

Unfortunately, Ahmadinejad is still the legal head of a foreign country. Under international law, the US cannot keep him from appearing at the UN. The US could have limited Ahmadinejad's presence in the US to the airport, his hotel, the UN building and the route between the three.

What we need to do is to continue to inform the world of what a dangerous man Ahmadinejad is. Don't underestimate him as a fool. There is a method to his madness. People underestimate him as he increases Iran's influence and strength. He has certainly run rings around Bush and Rice.

We need to boycott companies and countries that do business with Iran. This includes our "friends" in Iraq. Iraqi trade with Iran is now about $1.8 billion a year -- that's $1.8 billion in foreign currency that Iran can use to fund terrorism or their nuclear weapons research.

(16)
Lar,
October 7, 2007 8:22 PM

I didn't want him here either

I would have preferred he stayed home and ranted on Absurd Reality TV, but what's done is done. Maybe if the world was really listening, they heard the words of insanity and will support his ouster. It's my understanding that the sane people in Iran are preparing to jettison this guy outa here. Let's hope they succeed before his crackpot scientists give him the button to push for nuclear launch. Because if he has the button, he will push it without hesitation.

(15)
Anonymous,
October 7, 2007 7:12 PM

Iran has been at war with US for 28 years

I tremendously respect Irwin Cotler. He has been a leader on the issue of applying the Genocide Convention to President Ahmadinejad.

Nevertheless, I object that this is fighting a war in the courts. Iran kidnapped American embassy personnel in 1979 (possibly under the leadership of a young Ahmadinejad), trained and financed Hizb'ulah terrorists who killed 241 American service personnel in Beirut in 1983 (the largest terrorist attack against Americans until 9/11), trained and financed the terrorists who blew up Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia (killing more American servicepeople), trained and financed the Hizb'ulah terrorists who blew up the Israeli embassy and Jewish community center in Buenos Aires (leaving more than 100 dead), and supply jihadists currently killing Americans in Iraq.

America's response? Nothing. There is no precedent in American history for a nation killing hundreds of Americans with impunity. The solution is not in a courtroom. The solution is to fight back.

(14)
Linda Estrin,
October 7, 2007 5:14 PM

Ahmadinejad's legitimacy

Intellectual discourse is not enough in this case. KILL HIM DESTROY HIS GENOCIDAL PLANS!

(13)
Anonymous,
October 7, 2007 4:42 PM

Ahmedinedjad and International Law

Professor Cotler,Thank you so much for your enlightening article! Indeed, I was deeply surprised when I saw on CNN the news of the IranÂ´s President addressing Columbia University.

The World needs to trust that the United Nations members States take an urgent stance against Iranian threats to World peace. And for all of us, in the Western and free World, to give a podium to a chief of state who reiterates his willingness not to comply with the Safety World Standards in accordance to the International Law is minimize a danger and leave defenseless peoples and countries against such violation. Thank you!

(12)
Gary Katz,
October 7, 2007 3:14 PM

Ahmadinejad's get-out-of-jail-free card

Ahmadinejad skates because he has an oil force field. If his oil fields were to suddenly dry up, he would be relegated to the dustbin of history, as no more than a footnote.The sad thing about his UN speech is the number of delegates who actually admire him, either because they hate Israel or because he paints himself as the David to the U.S. Goliath. History has shown us that, by appealing to the ignorance of the masses, otherwise inept politicians can amass great power. Even if the power is short-lived, they can do lots of damage in the meantime. Ahmadinejad wasn't even a particularly good mayor of Tehran, but he knows how to pretend he's the champion of the poor (e.g., it's not their fault they're poor - blame it on Israel and the West). Too bad they don't realize he's going to get many of them killed, if he's not careful.

(11)
Raphaela Seroy,
October 7, 2007 3:00 PM

In Iran, students there demonstrated against him.

Abraham was buried by both his sons and the brothers were reconciled. My Jewishness teaches me to seek this peace. Allow the Iranians to get rid of whats-his-name... The students there are demonstrating their own dislike of their government.

(10)
Mary,
October 7, 2007 2:45 PM

UN out of the US

It is time to kick the UN out of the US and start a new organization of democracies, as advocated by some republicans or conservatives.

(9)
Peter Sachs,
October 7, 2007 1:48 PM

Expose the evil

When the evil can not be removed you must expose it. And this is perfectly done.Thank you

(8)
rmallin,
October 7, 2007 1:24 PM

fool me once,...fool me twice

bad man, when everything is done in the name of allah, that scares me. Iraq has made a deal with Iran. Our soldiers and innocent Iraqis have died in vain. Get out of Iraq or go to war against Iran.

(7)
Rob Rubin,
October 7, 2007 1:10 PM

Great article - usual improbable action plan

We are all in agreement with Professor Cotler in his analysis. But I don't see a lot of the action plan implementable. It would be prudent to ban him from the UN but of course one would have to ban leaders from certain african countries and now the Burmese delegation and many many more. How does that happen given the workings of the UN.

The security counsel would have to vote in the majority which is possible but unlikely given it's present makeup. They are not even sure the security council will agree on more sanctions for Iran. In Milosevic's case, please remember that Clinton supported massive air strikes and was about one day away to asking for ground troops when Milosevic finally called it quits. Don't get me wrong, the professors remedies are well reasoned but how do we stop Iran from processing nuclear materials while we wait for the UN to come to consensus on the professors plan?

(6)
Jimmy,
October 7, 2007 12:49 PM

About freedom of speech.

People should be allowed to say whatever they want because it is the best way to preserve the integrity of our freedom. Let crooks like the Iranian president openly publicize himself because it is good for US. That way the most dangerous madmen who follow the tradition of Haman can be more quickly identified and mobilized against. The ones that are less discrete with their plans are easier for us to take preventive action against. Also antisemites that tend to be more secretive may become emboldened and alert us to their presence. All the restrictions on our freedom by the use of fear psychology creates an environment for gestapo tactics. The U.S. and many corporations and countries study their work from the propaganda to SS. We should not contribute to the creation of such environments no matter how the noble the cause may be because an unscruplous person like the Pharaoh who knew not Yosef may rise and misuse it. I hope everyone seriously considers what I am getting at.

(5)
Anonymous,
October 7, 2007 12:12 PM

RIGHT ON!!

THANK-YOU IRWIN....MY DEAR, I COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER, MYSELF!BLESSINGS.......

(4)
frank la may,
October 7, 2007 12:02 PM

do not allow him back in the u.s.

Ahmadinejad should never be allowed under any condition in the u.s. and the next time he comes he should be arrested for holding 66 american for 444 days. we all know he was one of the terrest. 2nd. Columbia should have all their federal grands cancelled for allowing this fool to speak at their school. with that speech they gave this fool crediability. what a shame on Columbus

(3)
Judy Moran,
October 7, 2007 11:33 AM

moral compasses are hard to find these days

In the interests of full disclosure, I am not of Jewish heritage, but I started frequenting this site as a result of an article e-mailed by my daughter. I often find things that are informative, and share my view of the world. The justification these days that giving a voice to evil is helpful because it shows what they are thinking is as lame an excuse as any 8-year-old ever created. The real cause is a lack of moral courage brought about by the idea that one should never say anything is "bad" -- or at least not certain things. I am reasonably certain that Columbia University would not give a forum to those who think that apartheid or child molestation is "just another lifestyle," because those points of view are not only insupportable, they have no advocates in the land of the "politically correct." I forget the author of the quote "All that is necessary for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing," but it is quite apt in today's world. We watch evil all around us and do nothing.

(2)
Dave Schwep,
October 7, 2007 11:28 AM

playing with fire

The USA must redeem herself for allowing this vile thug into our country by exiling the UN and by assassinating Ahmadinejad as an example to what should be the immediate responsibility of all who love freedom and value life. By exterminating him and his likes we save thousands of lives. By not taking this action we have shown ourselves no better than those who have dedicated their lives to kill Jews and all infidels.

(1)
Ben K,
October 7, 2007 9:43 AM

ATTENTION PRESIDENT OF IRAN

I wish Mr Ahmenjihad can see this as well as many others can see this response to his CRAZY MAD RANTINGS. Ahmenshmad, why are you so ENSECURE in LARGE IRAN about little Israel? Your concerned, as seemingly many other Islamic clerics, with JUdaism and even Christianity more revealed to the Moslem world your paranoid for Islam? That maybe if one man in a cave came out and said he is now the gratest prophet ever and all other religouns abolished, and anyone disagreeing will be killed, maybe that sounds rather LUDICIROUS? That maybe with the Jewish people BACK in the Holy Land, it seems to be contrary to Islam replacing all religouns? Because the mad ranting case you make to destroy this country so much smaller than yours is so poor. Israel deserves to exist NOT BECAUSE OF THE HOLOCAUST. It is because this is the historic Land of the Jews! The TOrah, Bible and Koran point out the JEwish history to this land! The names may have changed from Israel, Judah, Judea and finally Israel. But its the same nonethe less. Jews have never fully left the land and never ended their Trust in G-d whio prmoised in Scriptures their eventual return. When King David and Solomon of ISRAEL may have been asked - where is Iran on the map? They probably would have asked - what's Iran? Never heard of such a thing. You question if a Holocaust really occured just 62 years ago with so much film, photo footage and witness testimony. Indeed Palestinian Mufti Hadj Amin El Hussieni was an avid supporter of Hitler and encouraged Moslem support of the Nazis. This merely exposes your utter Evilness.Regarding Palestinians, they can choose true peace in negotitiations with Israel and get their own independent land, or there is PLENTY of room in IRAN for a small Palesatinian state - if you REALLY care. But you would rather KILL then accomodate fellow Moslems, right? Regarding YOURSELF, do NOT forget another TYRANT from your land that tried to destrioy the Jews, but was himself HANGED as were his sons! (Haman)

I've been striving to get more into spirituality. But it seems that every time I make some progress, I find myself slipping right back to where I started. I'm getting discouraged and feel like a failure. Can you help?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Spiritual slumps are a natural part of spiritual growth. There is a cycle that people go through when at times they feel closer to God and at times more distant. In the words of the Kabbalists, it is "two steps forward and one step back." So although you feel you are slipping, know that this is a natural process. The main thing is to look at your overall progress (over months or years) and be able to see how far you've come!

This is actually God's ingenious way of motivating us further. The sages compare this to teaching a baby how to walk. When the parent is holding on, the baby shrieks with delight and is under the illusion that he knows how to walk. Yet suddenly, when the parent lets go, the child panics, wobbles and may even fall.

At such times when we feel spiritually "down," that is often because God is letting go, giving us the great gift of independence. In some ways, these are the times when we can actually grow the most. For if we can move ourselves just a little bit forward, we truly acquire a level of sanctity that is ours forever.

Here is a practical tool to help pull you out of the doldrums. The Sefer HaChinuch speaks about a great principle in spiritual growth: "The external awakens the internal." This means that although we may not experience immediate feelings of closeness to God, eventually, by continuing to conduct ourselves in such a manner, this physical behavior will have an impact on our spiritual selves and will help us succeed. (A similar idea is discussed by psychologists who say: "Smile and you will feel happy.")

That is the power of Torah commandments. Even if we may not feel like giving charity or praying at this particular moment, by having a "mitzvah" obligation to do so, we are in a framework to become inspired. At that point we can infuse that act of charity or prayer with all the meaning and lift it can provide. But if we'd wait until being inspired, we might be waiting a very long time.

May the Almighty bless you with the clarity to see your progress, and may you do so with joy.

In 1940, a boatload 1,600 Jewish immigrants fleeing Hitler's ovens was denied entry into the port of Haifa; the British deported them to the island of Mauritius. At the time, the British had acceded to Arab demands and restricted Jewish immigration into Palestine. The urgent plight of European Jewry generated an "illegal" immigration movement, but the British were vigilant in denying entry. Some ships, such as the Struma, sunk and their hundreds of passengers killed.

If you seize too much, you are left with nothing. If you take less, you may retain it (Rosh Hashanah 4b).

Sometimes our appetites are insatiable; more accurately, we act as though they were insatiable. The Midrash states that a person may never be satisfied. "If he has one hundred, he wants two hundred. If he gets two hundred, he wants four hundred" (Koheles Rabbah 1:34). How often have we seen people whose insatiable desire for material wealth resulted in their losing everything, much like the gambler whose constant urge to win results in total loss.

People's bodies are finite, and their actual needs are limited. The endless pursuit for more wealth than they can use is nothing more than an elusive belief that they can live forever (Psalms 49:10).

The one part of us which is indeed infinite is our neshamah (soul), which, being of Divine origin, can crave and achieve infinity and eternity, and such craving is characteristic of spiritual growth.

How strange that we tend to give the body much more than it can possibly handle, and the neshamah so much less than it needs!